Autumn Academia Reading Challenge
An Academic Reading Challenge for the Fall Season
The Autumn Academia Reading Challenge is for readers who want to experience some of those academic vibes this fall but perhaps do not have time to create a full personal curriculum. I have created seven different reading prompts or “assignments” to help you get into the back-to-school spirit this fall.
You can read fiction or non-fiction for these prompts. Some are easy and achievable, and others are more academically challenging. This reading challenge takes place from September 1st to November 30th, about the length of a school term.
Autumn Academia “Assignments” or Reading Prompts
Start a “great” classic work
Think “big” with this assignment: Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Spencer’s Faerie Queen, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Pick up any great classic work of literature that you have wanted to read but have felt intimidated by.
You do not have to finish this book during the Autumn Academia reading challenge, just start it and read a little every day for as long as it takes to complete.
Read a classic you should have read in high school
We all know those books that were on high school english reading lists. Pick one that you didn’t read in high school that you’ve felt you have missed out on.
It can be a dystopian like 1984 or Brave New World or an American classic like To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby or a well known work of classic literature like Pride and Prejudice or The Picture of Dorian Gray. Any book you know would be on a high school reading list.
Read a book about books
This is open to interpretation. You can read a fiction novel where the main character loves to read or write books or a non-fiction work about reading or analyzing literature.
Read a book that takes place in an academic setting
This assignment can also be a fiction or non-fiction book. It can be a novel that takes place at an academy or school OR a memoir or biography that takes place at a university such as Surprised by Oxford.
Read an essay or short story
Broaden your literary life by reading in different formats that are often forgotten. You can choose either an essay or short story for this assignment. The Literary Life Podcast has many episodes covering essays and short stories if you need some inspiration for choices.
Pick a poet
Poetry is both academic and beautiful. Pick any poet and work you way through a volume of their poetry. Read one poem per day until you have finished the collection.
Take an online course
Tap into your inner student and take an online course on any subject that interests you; history, Bible, literature, art, science, you name it. Hillsdale College offers a lot of free online classes. The House of Human Lettets (AKA The Literaty Life Podcast) offers a lot of paid literature courses and webinars. Follow your academic interests!
Autumn Academia Free Digital Downloads
Autumn Academia Reading Journal Page
Download a free A5 Printable for your Reading Journal. No email required, hit the “download” button below and it will pop open on another tab. Make sure your printer is set to print in the size A5!
Autumn Academia Instagram Story Graphic
Download the Instagram Story Graphics to share your picks and fill out your progress. No email required, hit the “download” button below and it will pop open on another tab.
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Dear Reader,
I hope you’ll join me in the Autumn Academia Reading Challenge this fall. If you have an Instagram or YouTube channel, I would love if you would tag me @humblyhaley when you share your TBR, progress or wrap up. Happy studying, friends!
